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Biggest Clemson Threats Against the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes on Prime Time
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- Biggest Clemson Threats Against the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes on Prime Time
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
MIAMI, Fla. – As the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes reach the extensive Atlantic Coast Conference portion of the schedule, here are three threats the Clemson Tigers pose for this Saturday's prime-time clash.
Gideon Davidson
Clemson currently has one of the top backfield producers in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sophomore running back Gideon Davidson. He has 364 rushing yards (tied for 32nd) on 59 carries and three touchdowns. Davidson, who has a 6-0 and 200-pound frame, has forced 16 missed tackles. He averages 4.22 rushing yards after contact on the season.
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Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman alluded to the goal being to make opponents one-dimensional. Last season, he led the sixth-best run defense in the FBS. After the departures of star edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. to the NFL, that was a question entering this season.
However, it hasn't been any sort of an issue.
The Hurricanes currently have the best run defense in FBS, giving up just 158 total rushing yards through four games and no touchdowns on the ground. It's been junior Marquise Lightfoot , senior Damon Wilson II , and junior Armondo Blount setting the edges and helping to stop the run.
However, Davidson will deliver a big test waiting to be answered.
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"Tremendous contact balance," head coach Mario Cristobal said about the 20-year-old. "He can accelerate, runs behind his pads, barely gets tackled by the first guy, and is explosive. He presents a tremendous threat on any given touch to take it to the house."
Sammy Brown
Former ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2024) linebacker Sammy Brown will look to decipher and limit the Hurricanes' explosive offense, which is currently third in FBS scoring. He currently has 33 total tackles (tied for fifth in the ACC), 13 solos and 20 assists, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass broken up.
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Although the 20-year-old is a remarkable defensive talent, tackling has been an issue over the last couple of games. Brown has missed seven combined tackles against UNC and Cal. He generated three pressures, but allowed three catches on three targets for 47 yards when in coverage.
Despite Brown's recent struggles, the 6-2 and 235-pound linebacker shouldn't be overlooked. He is exceptional at stopping the run and looks to be physical.
T.J. Moore
Junior wide receiver T.J. Moore is currently Clemson's top playmaker. The Key West (Fla.) native has caught 21 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown against Georgia Southern. Although Moore has reliable hands (zero drops this season), he doesn't gain much extra yardage once the play is completed (5.3 yards after catch per reception this season).
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Regardless, Moore will present a challenge for the Hurricanes' secondary, which could feature Xavier Lucas ' return.
The Hurricanes are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. E.T. this Saturday at Death Valley and will be televised on ABC.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
